FAQs

Questions

  1. I am not married, do not make a lot of money, and do not own my own house.
  2. I work full time, so can I be a foster parent?
  3. My children are grown and out of the house. Am I too old to be a foster parent?
  4. I do not have any children of my own; do I need parenting experience?
  5. How can I make a difference when foster children have been through so much?
  6. Do I get any help once I decide to take a foster child?
  7. How does the foster child receive medical insurance?
  8. How do we get started?
  9. How much will I get paid to care for the foster children living in my home?

Answers

Q. I am not married, do not make a lot of money, and do not own my own house.
A. You may be married or single, a homeowner or a renter. The only financial requirement is that you have enough income to support yourself and your family aside from the money that you are paid to care for foster children.
Q. I work full time, so can I be a foster parent?
A. Many foster children attend daycare, which allows foster parents to work outside of the home.
Q. My children are grown and out of the house. Am I too old to be a foster parent?
A.

There are no age requirements (other than being at least 18 years old). Many "empty nesters' Find foster parenting to be a rewarding experience.

Q. I do not have any children of my own; do I need parenting experience?
A. No, many of our foster parents are childless. They are, however, responsible people who have made a commitment to children and through the training provided by RCCS are very capable of caring for foster children.
Q. How can I make a difference when foster children have been through so much?
A.

Children are amazingly resilient. Foster parents can make the difference by providing a structured, nurturing environment. We need to remember that these children will grow up to be adults in our society. How we respond to their needs now will largely determine what kind of citizens they will be in the future.

Q. Do I get any help once I decide to take a foster child?
A. Children need stability, and RCCS offers foster parents plenty of support to maintain an even keel. For starters, before you even take in your first child, the RCCS staff works with you to develop a profile of the type of child best suited to the experience and capabilities of your family.

There is respite care for those times you need a break. And, in addition to the stipend you are paid for the care you provide, there are clothing vouchers available periodically throughout the year.

Richland County Children Services staff members are available 24/7 to support and assist our foster families.
Q. How does the foster child receive medical insurance?
A. Foster parents do not pay any of a child's medical expenses, other than over-the-counter medicines and supplies.

Understand as a foster parent, you are initially making a temporary commitment to helping a child. You will be involved in a plan to help reunify your foster child(ren) with the family of origin. Adoption can only occur if RCCS receives a permanent custody order from the Richland County Juvenile Court.
Q. How do we get started?
A.

If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, please complete the Foster / Adoptive Parent Inquiry for more information about the program. Please make sure to include your name, complete address, and phone numbers. You may also call 419-774-4100.

Q. How much will I get paid to care for the foster children living in my home?
A.

Licensed foster parents receive an initial purchase order for clothing for each newly placed foster child up to the amount of $250 based on need. You will get paid monthly, and the amount you receive depends on both the age and the needs of the child. See 2023 daily rates below: 


 Age        Regular        Special      Exceptional      GIFT Homes


 0-12           $30              $40               $52                    N/A


13-14          $35              $40               $52                    N/A


15 -18         N/A              N/A                N/A                    $61